The library system is moving to a new mobile app! The current library mobile app will not be available after February. This only relates to the library’s mobile app (used on phones and tablets). You can still connect to the library through your desktop, laptop, or mobile device’s web browser at https://rcpl.bibliocommons.com/ Projected date for the new mobile app is February. We apologize for the inconvenience

The Hopefuls

A Novel

"Laced with sly humor and insider detail, Jennifer Close's new novel tells the story of a young wife who follows her husband and his political dreams to DC, a city of idealism, ambition and complicated friendships among young Washington's aspiring elite"-- Provided by publisher."A brilliantly funny novel about ambition and marriage from the best selling author of Girls in White Dresses, The Better Half tells the story of a young wife who follows her husband and his political dreams to D.C., a city of idealism, gossip, and complicated friendships among young Washington's aspiring elite. When Beth arrives in Washington, D.C., she hates everything about it: the confusing traffic circles, the ubiquitous Ann Taylor suits, the humidity that descends each summer. At dinner parties, guests compare their security clearance levels. They leave their BlackBerrys on the table. They speak in acronyms. And once they realize Beth doesn't work in politics, they smile blandly and turn away. Soon Beth and her husband, Matt, meet a charismatic White House staffer named Jimmy and his wife, Ashleigh, and the four become inseparable, coordinating brunch, birthdays, and long weekends away. But as Jimmy's star rises higher and higher, their friendship--and Beth's relationship with Matt--is threatened by jealousy, competition and rumors. A glorious send-up of young D.C. and a blazingly honest portrait of a marriage, this is the finest work yet by one of our most beloved writers"-- Provided by publisher.

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fun read for anyone who is into politics (or The West Wing - even though the author did make an error when referencing West Wing characters). I enjoyed reading this book, and thought it was an interesting examination of relationships (both romantic and friendships).

A light-ish "beach read" that is basically an examination of a young couple's own relationship and their ultimately toxic friendship with another couple. All of this comes with a side of American politics. While I found many of the character's choices and behaviours to be frustrating, I didn't want to stop reading and finished the book in just a couple of days. I especially liked it when the book was set in Washington DC as I have spent a lot of time there and recognized many of the places mentioned.